Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital a Model of Evidence-Based Design

Named one of the top ten pediatric hospitals in the country by U.S. News and World Report, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago exemplifies the positive effect design has on the human experience. Located in downtown Chicago, Lurie Children’s new building was designed with evidence-based hospital design principles at the forefront, in order to increase patient safety, speed healing and enable the most efficient care.

Attendees at next week’s NeoCon can participate in an exclusive guided tour of this groundbreaking pediatric facility. The ASID-hosted tour takes place on Tues., June 11 and qualifies for 0.1 CEU credit. Click here for more information or to register.

Design highlights of the new Lurie Children’s facility include:

Interactive Interiors
More than 20 of Chicago’s premier art, cultural and civic institutions helped the hospital design unique healing environments that promote education and discovery for patients and visitors. The design includes (near) life-size model whales in the lobby, donated by the Shedd Aquarium, and a fire truck cab on the 12th floor donated by Pierce Manufacturing.

Green Design
In order to achieve their goal of LEED Gold certification, the hospital includes a green roof, a storm water management system and the use of low-emission indoor products such as paints and carpets. Although this new facility is twice the square footage of the old hospital, energy costs are estimated to increase by just 20 percent.

Creative Collaboration
The hospital’s unique Crown Sky Garden includes light, sound, water and wood elements, highlighted by a translucent interactive light wall that weaves throughout the garden at different heights, changing color and brightness as people approach it. These interactive aspects allow children to define the garden. Creating the Crown Sky Garden was a complex, multi-disciplinary process, bringing together the best minds in design and patient care, along with the input of children and families with direct patient experience.

For more information on all of the ASID programming at NeoCon, click here.